Ramon P. Carando, 74, of East Longmeadow, passed away on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Ray was born in Springfield on October 10, 1947, the son of the late Peter and Angelina (Bono) Carando. He proudly served our country in the United States Coast Guard and worked hard to help his family frozen foods business earn gold star ratings in quality control. Ray was an exceptional gardener, chef, wordsmith, and, above all, an incredibly wise man. He treated everyone equally with kindness, humility and love- without judgement- and never once strayed from this noble path. In this way, he was a special soul who touched the lives of everyone he met with his warmth and positivity. He was remarkably able to face even terminal cancer with that legendary twinkle in his eye and wonderful sense of humor, right up through his very last days. Ray is survived by his beloved wife, Grace (Nardi) Carando of East Longmeadow; two little nuggets, John and Anna Carando both of East Longmeadow; a brother, Peter Carando and family of Longmeadow; Ray’s mother-in-law, Anna J. “Dolly” (Danielle) Nardi of East Longmeadow, and two brother-in-laws, Dr. Dominic Nardi and family, and Dr. Paul Nardi and family both of East Longmeadow; as well as many nieces and nephews and his four legged family members Nala and Rocky Ray. He was predeceased by a brother, Dino Carando; a sister, Elaine Elda Carando; and his brother and sister-in-law, Kevin and Nancy (Nardi) Chicklowski. Family and friends will gather and remember Ray on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 from 4-6 PM at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield. Ray’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at 10:30 AM in St. Michael’s Church, 128 Maple Street, East Longmeadow. Burial will follow in St. Michael’s Mausoleum in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be directed in Ramon Carando’s name to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to support cancer research and patient care at:

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

P.O. Box 849168

Boston, MA 02284

or via www.dana-farber.org/gift